In a shocking turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges, sources told *The Daily USA News 24*. The charges, which are still sealed, stem from a federal investigation into fundraising activities during his 2021 mayoral campaign.

Adams, in a statement on Wednesday night, defended his innocence and vowed to fight the charges. "I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would become a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," he said.

In a recorded speech from his official residence, Adams addressed potential concerns about his ability to manage the city during this legal battle, promising to remain in office and continue his work. "I have been facing these lies for months... yet the city has continued to improve," Adams stated. "Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will."

The timeline for the unsealing of the charges or Adams' court appearance remains unclear. This indictment makes Adams the first sitting mayor in New York City's history to face such charges.

The indictment comes after a tumultuous period at City Hall, with a wave of high-profile resignations, including Adams' chief legal counsel, the NYPD commissioner, the health commissioner, and the city's schools chancellor. Federal scrutiny of Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign first gained attention in November 2023, when FBI agents searched the home of Brianna Suggs, a key fundraiser for Adams, and Rana Abbasova, an employee in the mayor’s international affairs office. Days later, FBI agents seized Adams' phones and an iPad after a public event in Manhattan.

According to a search warrant, authorities are investigating whether Adams' campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal contributions funneled through straw donors, as previously reported by *The New York Times*. Investigators are also looking into Adams' alleged involvement in fast-tracking approval for a Turkish government-backed skyscraper in Manhattan despite fire safety concerns.

The investigation has since broadened, with federal authorities examining Adams' connections with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Despite the growing scope of the investigation, Adams has asserted that he has complied with the law and is cooperating with investigators.

"Whatever information is needed, we’re going to turn over," Adams said on Tuesday. "It’s going to go to process."

Federal investigators have recently intensified their scrutiny of Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle. In September, FBI agents raided the home of former New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, who has since resigned. Banks shares the residence with Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, according to sources. Additionally, sources reported that Philip Banks, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and brother of the former schools chancellor, also had his home searched.

In a separate investigation, federal authorities seized the phones of former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, who has also resigned, along with several NYPD lieutenants, sources told *The Daily USA News*.